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I Wrote a Cookbook

. . . . What I did not realize is that I’ve been doing it for over six years! The traditional way to go about this would be to sit down and write a proposal, with the goal to write a book, which eventually would be published. Instead, I blogged—for six years non-stop, covering many stories, thoughts, memories and almost always sharing a recipe’s creation.

When San Francisco-based Hyperink approached me with the proposal to collect some of my memorable stories and recipes from the blog and compile them into an ebook, initially I was not convinced. However, as I got discussing the idea with their incredible team, it all began to make sense. It’s rather ingenious, and very innovative.

Bloggers pour hours and hours of time into writing hundreds of posts for their blogs. Carefully researched, written and, in cases of photographers, beautifully photographed posts are all easily accessible on the Internet. However, the biggest disadvantage—and much to the dismay of the bloggers—is that blog posts have a very short shelf life. Within a fleeting moment much of the content disappears into the black hole of the web, often never to be found again. Some of these posts are extraordinary, emotional and extremely informative; it does not matter, the Internet demands to be fed with fresh new content. Hyperink is changing all this with their “Blog to Book” series, partnering with blog authors and carefully putting together a series of books that cover a variety of topics in ebook format—and are doing this very successfully.

Together with my lovely editor Michaela (she was a gift sent from the book-writing heavens!), I’ve been working on this book since last year. Both of us had the same visions for the book: I labeled it a “storybook that thinks it’s a cookbook” or a “cookbook that tells a story”—you decide what it is when you read it. It brings many of my stories, passionate childhood memories and thoughts together in a way that reads like a seamless book. It is peppered with several recipes and vivid images from the blog and also includes a few new recipes never before published on the Internet. Integrated between the stories and the recipes are many of my valuable tips, tricks and personal notes about the dishes, methods of cooking or the history. One of the best parts however, is that we have incorporated reader comments from the blog for many of the recipes. Yes a few of you make an appearance in my book!

I think it has turned out quite nicely. It was great to see it come together like a big jigsaw puzzle and I was amazed to realize that, yes, I have indeed written a book. This might not be the book, but it is a true pleasure to see over 300 pages of my work edited into a beautiful read and the photographs set in a different scene than the blog, ready to touch a wider audience. I am stoked to say the least.

The title of the book? What’s for lunch, Honey?—what else? The book will be available on Hyperink’s online store, of course, but also on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, for just $4.95.

44 comments:

Congrats, my dear! This is a big deal, don't be so humble! An e-book is very modern and I will buy it, but I'm looking forward when there is a printed version because I love to have a book in my hands. You definitely deserve a glass of champaigne, or two! Sandy

Well done! I've looked at the "inside" bit on Amazon and it looks like your content works fantastically well in book format. I hope it will be very successful and that it won't take you six years to write the next one!

Cookery books which are also a jolly good read are my favourite kind. I like the credit that you give to bloggers here - amongst some of the negative, where bloggers can be portrayed as vain, self-centred or fame or money-focussed it's great to have an accolade for the work that goes into many, many blogs. Best of luck with the launch of this book - how does it feel to add the description 'author' to your long list of personal achievements?! Bravo Meeta.

Congrats!This is such a fabulous Idea! You are right about bloggers pending hours on their blogs. Some of them are so good and talented that they deserve to be seen by people who are outside the blogging world.

Congrats Meeta! You truly deserved this! I admire you and other bloggers who really find time and dedication to post honorable recipes and yummy photos. I've been in hiatus for almost two years in the blogosphere but I'm glad to be back!

Thank you so much to everyone for leaving their best wishes and incredible motivation. I feel quite happy about this .. but now that it's out I need to find a new project. Sending everyone hugs and once again thanks!

Thank you for visiting What's For Lunch, Honey? and taking time to browse through my recipes, listen to my ramblings and enjoy my photographs. I appreciate all your comments, feedback and input. I will answer your questions to my best knowledge and respond to your comments as soon as possible.

In the meantime I hope you enjoy your stay here and that I was able to make this an experience for your senses.

Hello, I am Meeta a freelance food photographer, stylist and writer living in the cuturally rich city of Weimar, Germany with my husband and our son, where I enjoy preparing multi-cultural home cooked meals with fresh organic ingredients. What's for lunch, Honey? is my award winning food blog where I combine my love for food with my love for photography and styling...